Photo by PoPville flickr user ken_1001

From a press release:

Local 16 and Grey DC announced a second Grey Market will be held May 21. The “Grey Farmers’ Market” held in February at Kushi allowed 15 local unlicensed/ uncertified vendors an opportunity for visibility and sales to over 350 people.

Grey DC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a stronger community in Washington DC. By organizing markets for unlicensed/ uncertified vendors, Grey DC offers a channel to those who otherwise would not have a chance to sell their wares.

“We are excited to now be a non-profit that can do more to support vendors to grow,” explains GreyDC founder, Maya Robinson. In addition to giving vendors an outlet to sell, Grey DC will begin giving grants directly to vendors to use for certification costs.

Local 16, a longstanding U Street neighborhood restaurant will house the next event. “As someone that supports local organizations, local events and especially local food we thought it was a perfect fit,” explains restaurant owner, Aman Ayoubi. Local 16 not only sources food locally, but they help subsidize a farm in VA, Whipple Farm. Ayoubi adds, “It is important for us to support local suppliers, without them how would we know where our food comes from?”

Grey DC will distributing vendor registration in April. If you or someone you know wants to be a vendor sign up at greydc.com.

Back in Dec. ’10 we learned of the launch of this new “underground market”. The first market was held in February at Kushi. Local 16 is located at 1602 U Street NW.

Do you have any problems purchasing food from “unlicensed/uncertified vendors”?


“Dear PoP,

I thought you might like to know that I strolled by the BBQ place at 14th and S St, NW and they were open for the first time tonight [Friday]. The food looked pretty good (I didn’t try it, though, as I had already eaten) and they had Bell’s Two Hearted on tap – a personal favorite.”

Last Nov. we had an update on the new venture, Standard, which soft opened this weekend in the old, old Garden District space at the north east corner of 14th and S St, NW. At the time people were very optimistic. Based on the crowds (and smiles) I saw this Sunday afternoon – I’d say expectations were met. I stopped by last week to take a few photos of the inside but as you can see – the real appeal here is the amazing outdoor space. The beer options look good as does the bbq – but with weather like we had this weekend, this could be one of the best people watching spots in the city. Anyone happen to stop by this weekend?

After the jump lots more photos including the menu. (more…)


This home is located at 2103 17th St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Sunny, spacious, 2 BR, 1.5 BA historic rowhouse on quiet street at nexus of Dupont Circle and U Street. 1180 sqft. , open flr plan on main level, hardwd floors, brick fireplace, granite counters, & stainless steel appliances. Master BA w/ jet tub, separate shower. Fenced & landscaped front and back. Charming front porch w/ wrought-iron railing, large back deck. 10 min. walk to Dupont or U St. metro.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

I was eager to post this as a regular GDoN but I was shocked to see it is already under contract in only 4 days. I love the location but was surprised that it is only a 2 bedroom. This 2 bed/1.5 bath was listed for $650,000. Do you think it went for that?


“Dear PoP,

Looks like JBG just recently bought the neighboring lot to my building (The Floridian) for $10m! And looks like they are temporarily at least naming it after the existing building on the lot:

Address: 945 FLORIDA AV
SSL: 2873 0799
Neighborhood: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
Land Area: 37,402
Triennial Group: 1
Owner and Sales Information
Owner Name: ATLANTIC RESIDENTIAL C LLC THE JBG COMPANIES
Mailing Address: 4445 WILLARD AVE STE 400; CHEVY CHASE MD20815-4641
Sale Price: $8,977,000
Recordation Date: 12/23/2010
Tax Year 2012 Preliminary Assessment Roll
Current Value (2011)
Land: $8,976,480
Improvements: $100
Total Value: $8,976,580
Taxable Assessment: * $8,976,580

Holy cow this could be huge. This is a really prime location. And JBG is a serious group. From their Web site:

JBG has vast experience in developing office, residential (both multi-family rental and for-sale condominiums), grocery anchored and urban retail, and hotels. In many cases, JBG develops these product types as mixed-use assets in very high barrier-to-entry markets which gives it a distinct competitive advantage.

JBG has developed, owned or managed over 30 million square feet of office space, 5.5 million square feet of retail space, 15,000 residential units and 15 hotel properties totaling over 4,500 rooms. It is currently responsible for development/redevelopment opportunities of approximately 8.5 million square feet of office space, 2.2 million square feet of retail space, 13,200 multi-family residential units and 2,500 hotel rooms throughout the Washington Metropolitan area.

I think at one point there were plans for condos and if I were a betting man I’d say that’s likely what we’ll see. I’ll be sure to update when more info becomes available.


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When we judged nearby Etete Dukem, located at 1118 U St, NW, was also mentioned. And I noticed (I think) they just got a new sign – so I think it’s time for a proper of judging of Dukem not in comparison to others – but just Dukem. According to their Web site:

Dukem (pronounced DUK-em) named after a small city found south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. The name “Dukem” brings nostalgic memories of the best ‘Tire Siga’ ( fresh red meat ) -a delicacy; it also brings up memories of leisure weekend travel as most families, friends that travel to the resort areas of Nazareth, Sodere, Langano and Awasa stop by Dukem on the way back to Addis Ababa.

It is with this tradition of Dukem city that Dukem Restaurant is founded in Washington DC. For most Ethiopians when they are at Dukem Restaurant they feel like they are back in Ethiopia as they meet and see old friends, catch up on family and friends separated by the Career focused busy American way of life. It’s this reason why most out of towners stop by Dukem first as they arrive to DC and why they make Dukem their last stop on their departure from the city.

You can see their menus here. Any fans? Any must order items?


From a press release:

Set for a Spring opening, owners announce the 14&U building will house a new restaurant, Lost Society.

Owned by a group of local investors, this boutique steakhouse, located on the second and third floors of this corner building, will feature a steak centric menu that blends market fresh produce, grass fed local meats, and regional seafood with innovative techniques to create both familiar classics and bold original dishes.

The space features full dining, bar and lounge space, as well as a rooftop deck.

Rumor has it that the space is designed to look like a Victorian Underground with peek-a-boo booths and spy mirrors. Now I’m gonna be honest with you – I’m not 100% sure what that means but I’m def. eager to check it out.

It’s always good to hear about more rooftop deck options. So what do you think – will a steakhouse will be a good fit here?

As one reader writes,

“There you have it. Something for everyone – Dunkin Donuts, Subway, and Lost Society.”


Back in July we learned that the folks from nearby Masa 14 would be opening up a new Taqueria here at 1819 14th St, NW next to the Black Cat:

“New restaurant/Taqueria with entertainment serving Mexican cuisine. Entertainment to include acoustic bands, Mexican style music. Restaurant will have Summer Garden with 99 seats and a Sidewalk Café with14 seats. Total occupancy load is 274.”

Wow, I didn’t realize it would popping up. So far so good I think. You think the pop up will look ok?


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